Local 5Ks put a spin on traditional relay races

Usually when we think about running marathons and 5Ks, these types of races come with the connotation of hard work, intense training and time-constrained running. Orlando hosts many local and national 5K running events throughout the year and these events put a fun twist on the most basic and fundamental form of exercise — running. John Bateman, president of UCF Knight Runners, a junior industrial engineering major and frequent runner in local events, explained that participating in events like these is beneficial to anyone.

"In general, your life will get better if you start running, if you pick up this lifestyle. It's not going to be easy, but in many different aspects your life will improve," Bateman said.

Listed below are some upcoming running events that are open to the public and will take place throughout the fall semester.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend (Sept. 28-29)

This running event is composed of three different races in one weekend, which include The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler, the Happy Haunted 5K Trail and runDisney Kids Races. They all take place in different areas of the Disney World parks and the runners get to run through the park even in the twilight hour. Registration ranges anywhere from $10 to $120 depending on the race, and the 10-miler monetary proceeds go toward Autism Speaks.

U Can Finish 5-Miler and 2 Mile (Oct. 14)

This running event is held on the main campus at UCF and is a great way to work on some fitness and meet friends. Students, teachers and alumni are all welcome to join in the run (or walk, if that is more your speed). It will be the third race in the Track Shack Running Series and the proceeds for the event will go toward the 4EVER KNIGHTS Student Alumni Association. Up until Oct. 13th, UCF students can register for both races for only $25. The UCF Knight Runners will be present at this event. Toby Tobkin, a senior computer science major and Knight Runner, said one of the best parts of running is meeting new people.

"One of the best benefits I experience on the regular is a good group of friends I hang out with because its obviously a large group of people here that share the same interest and it's lots of fun running. It breaks up your day with something social," Tobkin said.

2012 Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure (Oct. 21)

This race is a part of the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world and 75 percent of the net proceeds will stay in the Central Florida area to provide breast cancer education, screening and treatment for women. Registration is open online and ranges anywhere from $15 to $40. It will take place at the UCF Bright House Networks Stadium. Bateman has run the race and said it is a great way for people to come out and benefit a great cause.

"I do like it because it's super convenient, and the fact that it is on campus [means] a bunch of people will go," Bateman said.

Run For Your Lives Zombie 5K (Nov. 17)

A race that is sure to attract people from all walks of life, the Run For Your Lives 5K is an apocalyptic race where your main concern might not be running against time, but from zombies. Held at Revolution Off Road in Clermont, the race is modeled after flag football and each person is given flags to indicate their health level. Participants race through the course to get to the finish line while fighting off zombies, man-made obstacles and natural obtrusions. Registration is open and the price ranges from $32 to be a spectator or $77 to run in the race, along with cool freebies you get for participating. The UCF Knight Runners will be volunteering as zombies for this event. Patricia Luksich, the event coordinator for Knight Runners and a junior pre-clinical physical therapy major, will be one of the zombies in this event and she looks forward to scaring people and chasing after them.

"I can't wait to dress up because I think it's gonna be really fun. We're gonna have different costumes as zombies and it'll be really fun to chase down people," Luksich said.

The Color Run (Dec. 2)

This race is far from your average 5K — it is a unique experience both for people who are regular runners and those who arent. The Color Run is an event where at every one-kilometer mark, in the designated color zones, a different color of paint is thrown on the runners and walkers. At the finish line, paint is thrown everywhere and all the participants celebrate. All products used are 100 percent safe and natural, and the proceeds from the run benefit local charities. Online registration has not yet opened for the Orlando event, but it is sure to be a crowded event similar to most of the color runs across the country.